Is heartburn associated with heart attacks?

No. But sometimes pain in the chest may be mistaken for heartburn when it's really a sign of heart disease. If you have any of the symptoms in the box below, call your doctor.

Call your doctor if:

• You have trouble swallowing or pain when swallowing.
• You're vomiting blood.
• Your stools are bloody or black.
• You're short of breath.
• You're dizzy or lightheaded.
• You have pain going into your neck and shoulder.
• You break out in a sweat when you have pain in your chest.
• You have heartburn often (more than 3 times a week) for more than 2 weeks.

What about medicines for heartburn?

Several kinds of medicine can be used to treat heartburn. H2 blockers (some brand names: Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac) reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. Several are available without a prescription.

Other medicines, such as omeprazole (brand name: Prilosec) and lansoprazole (brand name: Prevacid), also reduce how much acid the stomach makes. Metoclopramide (brand name: Reglan) reduces acid reflux. To find out what medicine is right for you, talk with your doctor.

What if my symptoms get worse?

If lifestyle changes and antacids don't help your symptoms, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to take prescription medicine or schedule you for some tests.

Tests might include X-rays to check for ulcers, a pH test to check for acid in the esophagus, or an endoscopy to check for other conditions. During an endoscopy, your doctor looks into your stomach through a long, thin tube which is inserted down your esophagus. Your doctor may also check for H. pylori, a bacteria that can cause ulcers.

Will antacids take care of heartburn?

Antacids neutralize the acid that your stomach makes. For most people, antacids that you can get without a prescription (over-the-counter) give fast, short-term relief.

However, if you use antacids too much, they can cause diarrhea or constipation. Look for antacids that contain both magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. (One causes constipation while the other causes diarrhea so they counteract each other.) Some brands of antacids include Maalox, Mylanta and Riopan. Follow the directions on the package.

What can I do to feel better?

You might be able to avoid heartburn by making some changes in your lifestyle. The box below lists some tips on how to prevent heartburn.

Tips on preventing heartburn

• Place 6- to 9-inch blocks under the legs at the head of your bed to raise it.
• Try to eat at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down. If you take naps, try sleeping in a chair.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Lose weight if you're overweight.
• Don't overeat.
• Eat high-protein, low-fat meals.
• Avoid tight clothes and tight belts.
• Avoid foods and other things that give you heartburn.

Can heartburn be serious?

If you only have heartburn now and then, it's probably not serious. However, if you have heartburn frequently, it can lead to esophagitis (an inflamed lining of the esophagus). If esophagitis becomes severe, your esophagus might narrow and you might have bleeding or trouble swallowing.

If you get more than occasional heartburn, it may be a symptom of acid reflux disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), an inflamed stomach lining (gastritis), hiatal hernia or peptic ulcer.

What factors add to heartburn?

What factors add to heartburn?

Many things can make heartburn worse. Heartburn is most common after overeating, when bending over or when lying down. Pregnancy, stress and certain foods can also make heartburn worse. The box below lists other things that can aggravate heartburn symptoms.

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Things that can make heartburn worse

• Cigarette smoking
• Coffee (both regular and decaffeinated) and other drinks that contain caffeine
• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks
• Citrus fruits
• Tomato products
• Chocolate, mints or peppermints
• Fatty foods or spicy foods (such as pizza, chili and curry)
• Onions
• Laying down too soon after eating
• Being overweight or obese
• Aspirin or ibuprofen (one brand name: Motrin)
• Certain medicines (such as sedatives and some medicines for high blood pressure)